Following the initial joint US-Israel strikes on February 28, 2026, that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—as reported in earlier coverage—the operation expanded to destroy the IRGC headquarters, sink nine naval vessels, and achieve air superiority over Tehran. CIA intelligence enabled precise targeting of senior leaders gathered in the capital. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks killing at least 10 in Israel and targeting claimed US assets, denied by US Central Command.
US intelligence tracked Khamenei for months, with the CIA providing real-time location data to Israel. Strikes were adjusted to hit when multiple senior officials convened in a Tehran compound housing offices of the supreme leader, presidency, and Supreme National Security Council. Confirmed deaths included previously reported figures like IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and Admiral Ali Shamkhani, alongside IRGC Aerospace Force commander Majid Mousavi and Deputy Intelligence Minister Mohammad Shirazi.
Israeli jets launched around 8 a.m. Tehran time, striking the leadership compound and nearby structures two hours later. The Israel Defense Forces conducted over 700 sorties, deploying thousands of munitions to neutralize ballistic missile launchers, air defenses, command centers, and military headquarters, securing air superiority within 24 hours.
US Central Command confirmed the IRGC headquarters destruction in Tehran, stating: “The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) killed more than 1,000 Americans over the past 47 years. Yesterday, a large-scale U.S. strike cut off the head of the snake. America has the most powerful military on earth, and the IRGC no longer has a headquarters.” President Donald Trump announced US and Israeli forces sank nine Iranian naval ships and largely destroyed Tehran's naval headquarters, posting: “I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships... We are going after the rest — they will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters.”
Iran's retaliation included missiles and drones toward Israel, killing at least 10 (including civilians in Beit Shemesh and Tel Aviv) and wounding dozens, though Iron Dome intercepted many. Claims of hits on the USS Abraham Lincoln and other US assets were denied by CENTCOM: “The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close.” CENTCOM noted over a dozen civilian sites struck, including Dubai International Airport. Iran has attacked assets in 11 countries, killing three US service members and wounding five.
Trump urged IRGC members to surrender, offering immunity: “Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots.” The campaign continues, targeting remaining air defenses, missiles, and naval capabilities.
